From Thanksgiving through Christmas, Greater Fayetteville shines with nonstop holiday cheer. Strings of lights shimmer downtown. Parades spill down Main Street and small-town traditions grow louder than the sleigh bells. Travelers and locals alike find a reason to linger and laugh as well as how to light up the nights.

A crowd gathers in downtown Fayetteville under glowing lights as carolers in Victorian attire lead a holiday performance, filling the night with warmth and community spirit.

The holiday season kicks off in Fayetteville with A Dickens Holiday,  presented by the Fayetteville  Downtown Alliance on November 29th.  Held the day after Thanksgiving annually, A Dickens Holiday has been a beloved tradition in the holiday season for 25 years.  Inspired by the timeless tales of Charles Dickens, this event transforms downtown into a charming wonderland, complete with shopping, carolers, street performers, and holiday activities that would make even Scrooge smile. Conceived initially as a cheerful alternative to the Black Friday frenzy, A Dickens Holiday has grown into a cherished event attracting thousands of visitors.  

Revel in the Season's Sparkle:

Even the quiet nights shine here.

At Cape Fear Botanical Garden’s Holiday Lights in the Garden, visitors can stroll through an immersive walk-through wonderland filled with thousands of twinkling lights and dazzling displays. Guests can meet Santa and the Grinch, capture memories at holiday-themed photo spots, enjoy festive music, and browse the vendor market while sampling seasonal treats. The event runs Thursdays through Sundays, December 5 through 21.

Experience Christmas in the Park at Arnette Park in Fayetteville, a drive-through trail filled with the sights and sounds of the holiday season. This free event takes place December 8 through 12 and December 15 through 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Segra Stadium lights up every day from November 28 through December 31 with Fayetteville Holiday Lights, featuring over two million sparkling lights, Santa, giveaways, and fireworks. A full calendar of special events ensures there is always something new to enjoy.

For a truly unforgettable holiday experience, visit Sweet Valley Ranch, where a 300-acre farm transforms into a dazzling Christmas wonderland. Guests can see over one million lights and more than 350 animals. Admission includes the drive-through Festival of Lights and Tiny’s Winter Wonderland across the street.

At Hope Mills’ Christmas Parade of Lights, enjoy dazzling, fully-lit floats and the sounds of the season. The parade begins at 5:00 p.m.

Museums That Make the Season Shine:

Holiday cheer finds a home indoors too. Fayetteville’s museums bring history, imagination, and community together in ways that make the season feel brighter.

At the 1897 Poe House Holiday Jubilee on Sunday, December 7, visitors can tour a Victorian home filled with candlelight and the scent of holiday spice. Costumed guides share stories of Christmas more than a century ago while the home’s working kitchen comes to life with the sights and sounds of the season.

The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex keeps the celebration going all month with its City Market at the Museum Winter Holiday Series. Each Saturday in December brings something new: handmade cards, global traditions, and a cozy “Winter Warmer” morning complete with cocoa. Admission is free, and each weekend offers a fresh way to connect with the spirit of the season.

Families can also join Breakfast with Santa at Fascinate-U Children’s Museum on Saturday, December 13. The morning starts with pancakes, bacon, and laughter, followed by crafts, keepsake ornaments, and time to play in the museum’s interactive exhibits.

Together, these experiences capture Fayetteville’s one-of-a-kind blend of history and Southern warmth. Here, you make holiday memories you simply can’t find anywhere else in North Carolina.

 

 Artistic Avenues to Mark the Season

Holiday spirit takes the stage this year.

The Gilbert Theater brings everyone’s favorite holiday classic, A Christmas Story, to the stage every Friday through Sunday from November 21 through December 5.

From December 4 through 6, enjoy Behold: A Folk Christmas Cantata at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, presented by Sweet Tea Shakespeare. This enchanting show combines original writing, reflective storytelling, and songs that capture the wonder and hope of the season. Featuring holiday favorites such as Andrew Peterson’s Behold the Lamb of God and music by The Oh Hellos, Behold celebrates anticipation, wonder, and connection through a mix of storytelling, live music, and Sweet Tea Shakespeare’s signature community-driven experience.

The Carolina Country Christmas Dinner Show, featuring country music legend Skip Ewing, is an elegant holiday evening not to be missed. Held at the Highland Country Club on December 10, attendees will enjoy a delicious dinner and the unforgettable sound of Skip’s holiday classics. Tickets are available online only, so reserve yours early.

A beloved local tradition, the Cape Fear Regional Theatre presents its annual holiday show, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, from December 6 through December 22 (excluding Mondays). While construction is underway at the theater’s main location, performances will be held at the temporary space at 1707 Owen Drive.

The Cumberland Choral Arts partners once again with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra for a free annual concert of Handel’s Messiah. This special performance takes place at Methodist University’s Huff Concert Hall on December 13. While the concert is free, tickets are required to manage attendance.

The Hope Mills Artist Village Community Theatre presents The Gift of the Magi from December 11 through 14. This charming retelling of O. Henry’s classic tale is sure to brighten your holiday season.

Shop Till You Drop 

Make your holiday shopping part of the celebration with Fayetteville’s festive markets and fairs. From charming downtown strolls to cozy community gatherings, these local markets are filled with handcrafted gifts, holiday décor, and plenty of seasonal cheer.

Start your shopping adventure at the Holiday Market on Trade Street In Hope Mills on December 5 and 6, where local artisans and makers showcase unique creations perfect for gift-giving. Continue the fun at the Christmas Market at S&K Farm on December 6, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere with crafts, art, baked goods, a hayride, and a petting zoo. 

At the Holiday Market at Holy Trinity on December 6, you’ll find a delightful mix of locally crafted gifts, festive décor, and baked goods, all within a setting that captures the spirit of the season. Proceeds from this event support the Food Pantry at Holy Trinity Church.

Looking for something unique? The Creepy Little Christmas Market on December 11 blends holiday spirit with quirky, unconventional finds that are sure to surprise and delight.

For a lively twist, stop by the Christmas Market at Dirtbag Ales on December 12-14, where you can shop, sip, and enjoy live music in a fun and festive environment.  More than 80 holiday-inspired food vendors and local artists/makers will be at this market. Various food trucks and Christmas musical performances will also be featured each day

End your shopping journey at the Hive of Hope Mills Mercantile Market and grand opening from December 19-21. Browse an array of artisan goods, specialty items, and unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else.

Whether you’re hunting for handmade treasures or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere, Fayetteville’s holiday markets make it easy to shop local and celebrate the season in style.

 Celebrate the Season, Fayetteville Style

From twinkling lights to timeless traditions, Greater Fayetteville offers something special for every kind of holiday lover. Whether you’re cheering at a parade, savoring a festive show, or strolling through a sparkling garden, each day brings new ways to share joy and make memories with family and friends.

Make the most of the season by turning your visit into a getaway and book a cozy stay at one of Fayetteville’s welcoming hotels and enjoy easy access to all the holiday fun. So pack your coziest sweater, grab a cup of cocoa, and let Fayetteville fill your season with wonder.

Plan your trip today and discover why, from turkey to tinsel, the holidays shine brightest in Greater Fayetteville.

All Holiday Events


This blog highlights just a few of the many festive happenings in Greater Fayetteville.  Click the image below to explore the full calendar of holiday events taking place between Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

Hope Mills Christmas Parade 2

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FAQ

When does the holiday season officially begin in Greater Fayetteville?

The season begins right after Thanksgiving with A Dickens Holiday on November 29, followed by light displays, markets, and performances that continue through December.

What are the best holiday experiences for a first-time visitor?

Start with A Dickens Holiday, which fills downtown Fayetteville with carolers and candlelight the day after Thanksgiving. Then explore Holiday Lights in the Garden at Cape Fear Botanical Garden, Fayetteville Holiday Lights at Segra Stadium, and the 1897 Poe House Holiday Jubilee, where a working Victorian kitchen and live interpreters bring Christmas from another century to life. Together, these events show why Greater Fayetteville’s holiday season feels like nowhere else in North Carolina.

Are there indoor holiday events in Fayetteville?

Yes! The 1897 Poe House Holiday Jubilee, City Market at the Museum Winter Holiday Series, and Breakfast with Santa at Fascinate-U Children’s Museum all take place indoors. These events highlight Fayetteville’s mix of heritage, creativity, and family fun that sets it apart from nearby destinations.

What makes the holidays in Fayetteville unique?

Greater Fayetteville blends small-town charm with one-of-a-kind experiences. Visitors can explore a Victorian kitchen glowing with candlelight, see millions of lights at Segra Stadium and Cape Fear Botanical Garden, and enjoy community markets and performances that fill the season with variety.

Where should I stay?

Browse our Places to Stay for hotels and inns that fit every travel style, including family-friendly options with complimentary breakfast or indoor pools.

Are these events free?

Many are. Events like Christmas in the Park, City Market at the Museum, and several community concerts offer free admission, while others may charge a small fee or require tickets.

Is Fayetteville accessible for visitors with mobility needs?

Yes. Most major attractions, including Segra Stadium, Cape Fear Botanical Garden, and the Museum of the Cape Fear, are wheelchair accessible. Many light displays also include drive-through options for easy access.